The X Factor: 8 Dream Hosts for Season 2

Josh Groban

Proved as a regular Live With Kelly guest host that he’s more than comfortable in a tricky, live TV format. Plus, shouldn’t there be one permanent X Factor cast member who can perform live without any help from Auto-Tune?

Queen Latifah

A warm, funny presence who’s previously hosted the Grammys, SNL, the People’s Choice Awards, and even her own daytime talk show, and who, as a performer herself, would be able to relate to the highs and lows experienced by the show's contestants. Plus, it's doubtful that the Oscar nominee and woman behind "U.N.I.T.Y" would get intimidated by Simon and L.A. Reid.

Quddus

With his insightful questions and quick wit, the former MTV host was one of the few bright spots of ABC’s dreary summer reality competition Duets. Surely the uni-monikered dude deserves a shot on a show that people actually want to watch, no?

Cat Deeley

Okay, so as the Emmy-nominated emcee of So You Think You Can Dance, she’s closely aligned with Simon Cowell’s former Idol cohort Nigel Lythgoe. But if Fox doesn’t mind her pulling double duty on mindless summer trash like The Choice, surely they could allow a little cross-network synergy via The X Factor.

William Levy

Cuban-American telenovela star proved his crossover appeal by making it to the finals of Season 14 of Dancing With the Stars. He’s got devastating good looks, copious charm, and his famous pecs are tailor-made to cradle weeping contestants in the wake of their eliminations.

Sarah Silverman

The outrageous standup comic might prove a little too unpredictable for Fox standards and practices, but her acerbic brand of humor would be a perfect 2012 antidote to Simon Cowell’s not-quite-modern view of ladyfolk.

JC Chasez

Former ‘N Sync-er whose excellent solo work inexplicably failed to capture the public’s imagination is overdue for a musical resurgence — especially with former bandmate Justin Timberlake’s long self-imposed absence from the charts. What better way for JC to raise his profile than by working with Timberlake’s ex, Britney Spears? Bonus points if Chasez rocks the same foppish fashion he’s fancied as a judge on America’s Best Dance Crew.

Eva Longoria

Desperate Housewives funnylady has a diversified portfolio as a restaurateur and producer, so why not add reality-competition host to her résumé? Plus, from a completely superficial standpoint, she might draw an unexpected number of straight male eyeballs to the proceedings.

Who would you like to see hosting Season 2 of The X Factor? Sound off in the comments!